Hi all some sad news. Can you all join me in a prayer for Les Dinning the founder of the Desert Rats 7th Armoured Division Thetford Forest Memorial who sadly passed away on the 6th April after a short illness. He was buried just a couple of miles away from the memorial in the church yard at Didlington. The current Desert Rats sent a party to act as pall bearers and an address was given in the church by General Mullens - He was given a very good send off! During my research and the times that I contacted Les he was always so very helpful and put me in contact with some very good sources. A Prayer for the Desert Soldier Oh! Desert soldier do not fear, You're for the final posting, collect your gear. With uniform pressed and boots that shine, Hurry along there keep in line. Soon you'll reach your destination, With your new Commander of all creation. Look to your front with head held high As you join that regiment in the Sky. Goodbye dear soldier, goodbye dear friend. Now you have reached your journeys end. Our thoughts of you we will fondly keep, Whilst in your New Barracks you soundly sleep. By Fred Hirst Editor: The Manchester Veteran City of Manchester 8th Army Veterans A little about Les - His service with the Desert Rats commenced when he joined the 4th County of London Yeomanry on the 16th February 1944 in High Ash Wood, Thetford Forest as a 17 year old, he served with that Regiment until, with much sadness, it was disbanded on the 28th July 1944 following a major battle in Villers Bocage on the 13th June 1944 while the regiment was leading the Division in a break through of the German lines. He was then transferred to the 1st Royal Tank Regiment and fought with that unit as a Cromwell Tank Gunner until the end of the war and was demobilized in 1947. The 4th CLY were replaced by the 5th Enniskillen Dragoon Guards who remained with the Division until the Division was disbanded in 1948. Below is a link to The Desert Rats 7th Armoured Division Thetford Forest Memorial Desert Rats Memorial God bless Kieron
Les was a great help to me a few years ago when I started my research - he will be missed. Does anyone know whether his web site is being taken over by anyone?
I had an email from his son-inlaw to say that another member of the memorial team would be taking it over. Regards Kieron
Originally posted by 8th KRI@May 1 2005, 10:36 AM Les's website Not directly relative to the topic, but I could not miss the opportunity to tell you how pleased I am to see the badge of the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars! With your obvious interest in research, am I correct you are (or are connected to) Chris Atwood who has such a great site devoted to the KRIH? With best wishes, Gerry
Hi Gerry Yes I am indeed Chris Attwood - thanks for your comments about my site, my main aims when I started where to contact ex 8th Hussars, this has been a success, I now have regular contact with a number who were members of the Regiment in June 1944, and to acknowledge the part taken by "ordinary" men, hence my emphasis on the people rather than the higher stategy. I am currently working on a "narrative" of the 8th's activities from 9th June 1944 until 8th May 1945 from the perspective of the "Tankies". Chris Attwood
Saddened to hear of his death. I'm sure there'll be a brew-up for him when he arrives at the Laager with the rest of his buddies.
